An Unusual Suspect

The Legacy has always been a key model in the Subaru family. Over the past 20 years, 3.6 million have been sold. Besides sheer numbers, it has also been instrumental in raising the overall image of the marque.

It was the Legacy RS that led Subaru’s foray into the World Rally Championship. Though a first-timer, the car did remarkably well and the lessons learnt were put to good use when Subaru came up with the Impreza WRX. The WRX is one of the most successful cars in the history of the WRC series.

In Japan, the high-performance variants of the Legacy wagon have captured a strong following and even developed something of a cult status. The fifth generation of the Legacy will thus be greeted with great anticipation by Subaru fans.

First of the new range to arrive is the Outback, the steroid-endowed Legacy variant branded as a crossover vehicle. Besides a raised ride height, the Outback wears flared fenders, beefy bumpers and huge 17-inch tyres to give it the supposed rugged look.

Styling is, to put it mildly, controversial. The new Outback has grown in all dimensions and certainly looks big and imposing. However, the design – with its curious mix of curves, edges and lines – is not a fully coherent one. Some will like its dare-to-be-different appearance; others will simply be put off.

Having had a really good look at the styling of the current crop of Subarus, perhaps it is time for Fuji Heavy Industries to either turn to a design house or do a full revamp of its own styling studios. While the body may be the subject of intense debate, the cabin should please everyone. It is extremely roomy. There’s loads of head, elbow and legroom, and five adults can be seated quite comfortably without the need for unwanted contact. The hip-height seats are at the ideal level for entering and exiting the car, so there is no need to climb up or bend down.

Quality has taken a quantum leap. Trim and materials now look and feel good, with minimum use of hard plastics. The use of brushed aluminum inserts for the fascia and doors help raise cabin ambience quite a bit. Singapore-bound cars will, thankfully, have a proper factory-fitted stereo rather than the bright and glaring locally fitted eyesore in the test car.

Generously sized door pockets and centre console ensure that there is ample storage space for stuff. Four cup holders for front and rear occupants take care of the needs of thirsty people. Passenger safety is optimized by front, side and curtain airbags.

Two versions of the Outback will be imported: the 3.6R and the 2.Si, with the latter expected to make up the bulk of local sales. The familiar 2.5-litre boxer engine has been revised. With just 167bhp, the new unit scores on refinement rather than sheer outright power. It revs willingly and smoothly up to its 5600rpm redline.

Of greater significance is the new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It features six pre-programmed ratios to emulate the “gears” in a regular cog box. Throttle response is entirely dependent on how you set the Si-Drive, first introduced when the outgoing Legacy was updated.

The default mode marked “I” for intelligent concerns itself with fuel economy. Accelerator response is decidedly leisurely. Setting it to “Sport” (or S) wakes up both the converter automatic can manage.

The Outback feels more softly sprung than its predecessor. Obviously, this crossover vehicle was tuned to pamper rather than excite. With the compromise shifted in favour of comfort rather than handling, the Outback drives more like a tall station wagon than a sporty hatchback. Luggage area is wide, deep and very useful for carrying large items. The loading sill is a little high, so watch your back when loading heavy and bulky items.

Like most Subarus, the new Outback 2.Si is a bit of an enigma. It looks different, drives differently and will appeal to people who want something different. Yes, Subaru cars have character, and possibly the biggest legacy this Legacy will provide is being unique. And that’s the selling point of this Outback.

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Tags: 2.5i Outback Legacy Outback Subaru Outback